Quick Read
- From February 25, 2026, visitors from 85 visa-exempt countries need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK.
- Eurostar passengers without an approved ETA will be denied boarding.
- The ETA is a digital permit, not a visa, costing £16 and valid for two years.
- Applications can take up to three working days; travelers should apply in advance.
- British and Irish citizens are exempt, but dual citizens must use their British/Irish passport.
LONDON (Azat TV) – Starting February 25, 2026, international travelers, including those using the Eurostar high-speed rail service, will face a significant change when entering the United Kingdom. Visitors from 85 currently visa-exempt countries, including the European Union, the United States, Canada, and Australia, will be required to obtain an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before their journey. Without this digital permission, passengers will be denied boarding by airlines, ferries, and the Eurostar/Eurotunnel, marking a new era for UK travel and connectivity.
New UK Travel Rules Affect Eurostar Routes
The introduction of the ETA system signifies the end of visa-free travel for many nationalities previously able to enter the UK with just a passport. This mandate, confirmed by legal firm Trethowans, aims to enhance border security and streamline data collection on visitors. The ETA is not a visa; rather, it grants permission to travel to the UK for short visits of up to six months, covering tourism, family visits, or permitted business activities. British and Irish citizens are exempt from this requirement, though dual citizens must use their British or Irish passport for travel to the UK.
For Eurostar, a crucial link connecting the UK with continental Europe via its efficient rail network, this change will directly impact its passenger flow. Travelers booking tickets to London from destinations like Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam will need to ensure their ETA is in place well in advance. The digital authorization costs £16 and remains valid for two years. While most applications are processed within minutes, authorities advise applying at least three working days before travel to account for potential checks.
Understanding the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for UK Entry
The Electronic Travel Authorisation is a digital document that pre-screens travelers before they depart for the UK. Its purpose is to provide the Home Office with more comprehensive data on incoming visitors, potentially increasing scrutiny, particularly for business travelers. Employers are now tasked with ensuring their employees, candidates, and other business visitors are aware of and comply with these new requirements to avoid travel disruptions and compliance issues. The ETA does not alter the permitted activities for visitors in the UK, and all travelers must still carry supporting documentation, such as invitation letters or accommodation details, to present at the border.
Failure to secure an ETA will result in immediate denial of boarding, regardless of the circumstances. This could lead to significant inconvenience, missed connections, and unforeseen costs for individuals and businesses alike. The system is designed to create a ‘no permission, no travel’ environment, emphasizing the importance of proactive preparation for anyone planning a trip to the UK.
Preparing for Eurostar Journeys Under New ETA Requirements
Travelers planning to use Eurostar for UK-bound journeys from February 25, 2026, must integrate the ETA application into their pre-travel checklist. Reviewing travel policies, communicating the new rules to all affected individuals, and ensuring compliance with permitted business activities are critical steps for businesses. The shift to a digital authorization system means a more stringent approach to entry requirements, moving away from the previous visa-exempt status for a broad range of countries.
Eurostar, which connects major European hubs like London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Lille, serves millions of passengers annually. The new ETA mandate ensures that this extensive network operates within updated regulatory frameworks, aligning the UK with similar digital travel authorization systems adopted by other nations. The change underscores a broader trend in international travel towards enhanced digital verification and pre-authorization.
The impending ETA rollout represents a substantial shift in the dynamics of international travel to the UK, particularly for those relying on high-speed rail services like Eurostar, necessitating careful planning and adherence to new digital entry protocols to prevent significant travel disruptions.